Mount Etna has long captured the imagination of adventurers and thrill-seekers alike. Snow is not typically associated with Sicily. However, the thunderous summit of the Italian island provides one of the most remarkable skiing experiences on earth.
Skiing On Mt. Etna
On Sicily’s east coast, halfway between Catania and Messina, sits the massive volcano known as Mount Etna. It is one of the most striking natural wonders of the globe, with a base that spans an estimated 1,190 km2. It is, in fact, the biggest active volcano in Europe, with enormous craters at its summit that erupt multiple times a year. It is still possible to climb Mount Etna, and there are plenty of local operators that offer journeys up to the craters. Owing to its height, the summit receives snowfall during the winter, enabling one of the most amazing experiences: skiing in Sicily—that is, skiing atop an active volcano!
The unique landscape of Mount Etna, which features hundreds of acres of unspoiled countryside rolling out in all directions and the sea only a few kilometres away, is what makes skiing in Sicily so spectacular. The view from the summit of the volcano is bleak yet breathtaking. On Sicily’s volcano, the skiing season often begins in November and extends through May. Since frequent snowfall occurs in the area during the winter, there is typically good snow coverage.
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Skiing Places There
The history of skiing on Etna begins in the 1930s when a few local endurance athletes started doing ski mountaineering. Ski mountaineering is either cross-country skiing or carrying your skis up to the summit of the mountain, and then sprinting back down the mountain through untamed terrain on an unmarked trail. This is in contrast to resort skiing, where you are usually whisked up a mountain on a lift and you ski down a marked trail. Compared to other well-known ski resorts in Europe, Etna’s resorts are still very modest today.
Skiing on Mount Etna is a one-of-a-kind experience that combines the excitement of winter sports with the awe-inspiring beauty of an active volcano. From gentle slopes to challenging off-piste terrain, there’s something for skiers of all levels to enjoy.
Cover image credits: Canva
First Published: April 08, 2024 5:43 PM